. Tasks contractor on quality job, 3-month deadline
. Says federal secretariat to commence soon
The Federal Government, Thursday, performed the groundbreaking for the construction of 250 units of housing estate in Bende, Abia.
This is as it has assured that full construction would soon begin at the proposed federal secretariat at Ekeoba, Ohuhu area of Umuahia.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, who spoke during the ceremony, tasked the contractor on quality work according to specifications.
He also tasked the developers on three -month delivery deadline “so that we can begin the process of getting Abia indigenes to purchase and move in”.
The Minister explained that the project, otherwise known as Renewed Hope Estate, was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to provide affordable houses for Nigerians.
He said: “We have created different options to enable everyone who has a source of income and livelihood to own these homes when they are completed.
“These include single-digit mortgage loans that beneficiaries can repay over 30 years and rent-to-own schemes provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, and outright purchase options for those who can afford to pay upfront.
According to him, under Phase One of the programme, the Federal Government intends to deliver a total of 50,000 housing units across Nigeria.
“This includes seven Renewed Hope Cities that will have between 500 and 1,000 housing units per site in each of the six geopolitical zones in the country and the FCT, while the estates will have 250 units per site in the remaining 30 states. With this housing programme, we plan to unlock the massive potential of housing development to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development”.
The Minister who said that the project would be funded from the N50 billion 2023 supplementary Appropriation for the Ministry, assured states yet to benefit from the scheme that they would not be skipped.
“We are diligently funding these projects from the N50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget that Mr. President approved for the Ministry to ensure sustainability, quality, and geographic spread.
“I want to assure states that have not been covered under the 2023 Supplementary Budget will be included in the Ministry’s 2024 Budget on the condition that they provide land at no cost to enhance affordability”.
The Minister estimated that over 6,500 persons would benefit from the job value chain to be created in the course of the project.
He commended Governor Alex Otti, for promptly granting the request for the provision of land at no cost, adding that “this singular action has helped to reduce as much as 30 per cent, the cost of the units in the estate for the benefit of potential homeowners.
On the proposed federal secretariat at Ekeoba in Ohuhu area of Umuahia, the Minister who said some preparatory works were already ongoing at the site, assured that the project would also be delivered.
He explained that the essence of the project was in pursuit of Government’s plan to have a strong presence in each state of the country.
In a remark, Governor Otti who was represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, said his administration’s policy on housing was in line with that of the Federal Government.
He commended President Tinubu for approving the project which he said, would not only provide affordable accomodations for the people but also creat job opportunities.
“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this laudable project. This project will create jobs for Abians and keep our youths busy.
He promised to support the actualisation of the project, while reiterating the resolve of his administration to provide shelter for Abians.
Earlier in a remark, Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, said Abia Government’s efforts towards addressing accommodation challenge was in line with the President’s vision to provide affordable houses for all Nigerians.
Speaking on behalf of the developers, Ugochukwu Otti, said that the estate “comprises 50 units of 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.”
According to him, “the project is designed in a way that makes them affordable by using organic designs to allow for future expansion as the income of beneficiaries increases.”
He assured that all the necessary facilities including network of roads, articulated water system and electricity shall be provided at the estate.
HRM Eze Anthony Chukwu who spoke for Bende monarchs, expressed joy over the project which he said, would help stimulate the economy of the area.
He assured of the cooperation of the communities to ensure it full actualisation. The estate is sited between Umuahia metropolis and Bende Council headquarters.